SearchOps

YouTube Search Operators

Search operators and filters to find videos on YouTube more effectively.

37 operators across 8 categories

Tips & Notes

  • YouTube search uses Google-like syntax for some operators.
  • Most advanced filtering is done through the Filters menu after searching.
  • Use quotes for exact phrase matching in titles and descriptions.
  • Combining keywords with channel names helps find specific content.
  • Search results are personalized based on watch history.
  • Some filters can be combined via URL parameters.

Basic Search Syntax

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
"exact phrase"Search for an exact phrase"how to code in python"
+wordWord must appear in results+tutorial javascript
-wordExclude videos with this wordreact tutorial -beginner
intitle:Search only in video titlesintitle:review iphone
allintitle:All words must be in titleallintitle:best budget laptop 2024

Channel & Creator

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
channel name + topicFind videos from a specific channelMarques Brownlee iphone review
from specific channelGo to channel and use channel searchVisit channel → use search icon

Filter Parameters (URL)

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
&sp=CAI%3DSort by upload date (newest)&sp=CAI%3D
&sp=CAM%3DSort by view count&sp=CAM%3D
&sp=CAE%3DSort by rating&sp=CAE%3D

Duration Filters (via UI)

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
Filters → Under 4 minutesFind short videosSearch → Filters → Duration → Short
Filters → 4-20 minutesFind medium-length videosSearch → Filters → Duration → Medium
Filters → Over 20 minutesFind long videosSearch → Filters → Duration → Long

Upload Date Filters

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
Filters → Last hourFind videos uploaded in the last hourSearch → Filters → Upload date → Last hour
Filters → TodayFind videos uploaded todaySearch → Filters → Upload date → Today
Filters → This weekFind videos from this weekSearch → Filters → Upload date → This week
Filters → This monthFind videos from this monthSearch → Filters → Upload date → This month
Filters → This yearFind videos from this yearSearch → Filters → Upload date → This year

Content Type Filters

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
Filters → VideoShow only videos (exclude channels/playlists)Search → Filters → Type → Video
Filters → ChannelSearch for channels onlySearch → Filters → Type → Channel
Filters → PlaylistSearch for playlists onlySearch → Filters → Type → Playlist
Filters → MovieFind moviesSearch → Filters → Type → Movie
Filters → LiveFind live streamsSearch → Filters → Type → Live

Feature Filters

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
Filters → 4KFind 4K resolution videosSearch → Filters → Features → 4K
Filters → HDFind HD videos onlySearch → Filters → Features → HD
Filters → Subtitles/CCFind videos with captionsSearch → Filters → Features → Subtitles/CC
Filters → Creative CommonsFind Creative Commons licensed videosSearch → Filters → Features → Creative Commons
Filters → 360°Find 360-degree videosSearch → Filters → Features → 360°
Filters → VR180Find VR videosSearch → Filters → Features → VR180
Filters → HDRFind HDR videosSearch → Filters → Features → HDR
Filters → LocationFind videos with location tagsSearch → Filters → Features → Location

Special Searches

OperatorDescriptionExampleCopy
#hashtagSearch for hashtag pages#shorts
topic + tutorialFind educational contentdocker tutorial
topic + explainedFind explainer videosblockchain explained
topic + for beginnersFind beginner-friendly contentguitar for beginners
topic + vsFind comparison videosreact vs vue
year + topicFind recent content2024 best laptops